WhatsApp has reported that Russian authorities sought to "fully block" the Meta Platforms-owned messaging service in the country, according to a company spokesperson on Wednesday. The move comes as Moscow increases efforts to favor domestically developed platforms and expand its oversight of internet services.
The dispute between Russian regulators and foreign technology providers has intensified since Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Authorities are endorsing a state-backed rival application known as 'MAX' - a step that critics warn could enable user tracking, although state media have dismissed those concerns as unfounded.
In a statement, WhatsApp characterized the attempted block as part of "efforts to drive users to a state-owned surveillance app." The company added: "We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected."
When asked about the prospects for WhatsApp's return to Russia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told TASS in a video published by the state news agency on Wednesday:
"This is again a question of fulfilling the legislation. If the Meta corporation fulfils this and enters into dialogue with Russian authorities, then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement."Peskov continued:
"If the corporation (Meta) sticks to an uncompromising position and, I would say, shows itself unready to align with Russian legislation, then there is no chance."
Authorities have already taken steps that affect how messaging apps operate inside Russia. A previous report said Russian officials removed the secure messaging application, which has about 100 million users, from the equivalent of an online directory maintained by Roskomnadzor, the state communications watchdog. The Kremlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Over the past year, Moscow has imposed limits on some calls made via WhatsApp and on the messaging platform Telegram, accusing foreign-owned services of refusing to share information sought by law enforcement in fraud and terrorism investigations. In December, Apple’s FaceTime video-calling feature was blocked in Russia.
Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, has previously affirmed the platform’s stated commitment to protecting freedom of speech and user privacy.
Summary of developments
- WhatsApp reports an attempted full block by Russian authorities as the government promotes a state-backed messaging app named 'MAX'.
- Kremlin officials say resumption of services depends on foreign platforms complying with Russian legislation.
- Regulatory actions in the past year have included limits on calls via WhatsApp and Telegram and a block on FaceTime.